https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:45:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona/page/2#post-505519 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:06:18 +0000 Fruitful 505519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I was linked to this from a comment on Angie's blog - just wanted to say it's very cool. An excellent, non-verbal way to capture your style and style goals! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona/page/2#post-501745 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:51:02 +0000 rachylou 501745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Posh Eclectic is a pretty good title. I'd call you very "Berkeley Hills." Pretty preppy, actually, but minus any smarmy snobbiness. </p> <p>Of course, if you *were* Berkeley Hills, the smarmy snob snits should rightly be replaced by snits of navel-gazing self-righteousness. Haha! Get to work on that, girlie! </p> <p>(Yes, I've been exiled to the next town over...) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona/page/2#post-501488 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:24:24 +0000 Sylvia 501488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great collages and great exercize. I too am trying to define more clearly my style persona and hope to get through the style statement book on my flight trip home. To me your aspiring collage looks a bit more modern and trendy. The prints are a bit more classic ( like stripes and polkadots). I think you are attracted to a combination of romantic, vintage but also trendy, hip and classic at the same time. Have fun discovering and experimenting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona/page/2#post-497091 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:55:49 +0000 Amy 497091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, if you're in the woods, then I want to go camping, lol :)</p> <p>Vix, thanks for sharing your thoughts! You're helping me achieve some clarity about where I want to go in the future and what's worked in the past. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona/page/2#post-497027 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:14:31 +0000 Vix 497027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Amy --</p> <p>I am such a sucker for the style persona threads, and you have a great set of photos for this! </p> <p>Though I only did the Cliff Notes version of it, I think you might enjoy the Style Statement book and its exercises. You can really go off the grid when it comes to naming your style* and yet IME/O it does a great job of keeping people focused when buying or combining.</p> <p>[There are some StSt threads kicking around YLF.]</p> <p>I'm repeating some of what other members' said upthread, but I in both your favs and your inspiration photos I see:</p> <p>-- (in thinking about common elements) lots of streamlined shapes, bold use of color, a comfort level with print/pattern/texture, and retro silhouttes or touches</p> <p>-- (in thinking about if X then Y) comfort having one "attention grabber" (in terms of color, texture, print, or detailing in clothing or accessories) while the other pieces stand back/support</p> <p>I know the above aren't adjectives, but if they resonate maybe they will help you think of what adjectives describe a person who likes/does the above.</p> <p>If nothing else, wanted to share that I think there's a certain level of consistency to your style already -- and that it will be fun (for me/us, anyway!) to watch you continue to use your tailoring skills and gut to finetune your preferences!</p> <p>* or "styles" if you are a cheater like me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona/page/2#post-496659 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:44:36 +0000 catgirl 496659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, you are brilliant for putting these collages together! And an afternoon of browsing fashion sites definitely is not wasted time. </p> <p>I see lots of bright yellow in both boards, as well as a polished edgy look. I know you can pull off any look you want, by tweaking it to your own preferences, and the more you wear something the more it will become second nature. I have had to modify certain inspiration looks to suit my body type or style, but that is what creating an individual look is all about. Think of it as altering a pattern to suit YOU. I know that's an area of expertise for you!</p> <p>And I can't tell you how lovely it is to be mentioned as anyone's idea of a style inspiration... I am still in the woods myself most days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496636 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:29:18 +0000 Jonesy 496636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting exercise! I see some similarities across the collages (colorful, layered) but also some differences (seems like your collage is a bit more whimsical and vintagey, and the second collage is a bit more edgy, androgynous, trendy, e.g., lots of collars buttoned up like the J. Crew model on the left with the gray dress, white button down, bold specs, and animal print pumps). Maybe you are moving in that direction, especially with your new 'do? A mash-up of both would be fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496579 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:08:19 +0000 Suz 496579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's very interesting that so many are commenting on the femininity in your style, Amy. And yet you are attracted to androgyny. The jackets in collage 2 might be a symbol of that, a traditional menswear item done in a more feminine way adds some structure that (arguably) some of the outfits in collage #1 might lack. The structure could ANCHOR the retro, feminine, vintagey, whimsical elements, making them work-appropriate (if that was the goal) or simply age-appropriate. </p> <p>Perhaps one reason many of us like your shorter haircut is that it also adds an element of androgyny to your look, playing against the more feminine elements in a way that creates a positive friction? </p> <p>I think Steph's idea of taking one element of the outfit and making that the "drama" or "statement" piece (whether that element be a jacket, an accessory, a scarf, a skirt or a top) and keeping the rest of the outfit relatively calm and classic is a great way to ensure that I, with my small frame and softer colouring, won't be overwhelmed. It's also consistent with my practical side, the part of me that always wants to be dressed in a way that lets me move easily, walk quickly, get down on the floor with my kid or my cat, etc. It seems to me that this advice might be valuable to you, too, whatever words you eventually decide are most descriptive of your style persona! </p> <p>Thank you for the info on your collages. I don't have photoshop, so I will have to experiment with one of the other programs. It would be great to make one of these. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496573 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:01:41 +0000 annagybe 496573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow I really honored and humbled to be in your collage. I think you have a lovely style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496552 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:32:27 +0000 Jewell 496552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your collages! IMHO your common threads are feminine and artsy. I see flirty silhouettes, fun colors, and flowers more so than androgyny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496539 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:11:50 +0000 Sally 496539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a brilliant idea. I really like your collages. there is a definite style there...the word bombshell comes to mind.....maybe retro or vintage bombshell. You pull off vintage really well.....those 40s and 50s styles. I think there is a definite element withe the fitted sillouhettes and the blouses under the vest belted look.<br /> going to go and do one myself now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496498 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:42:26 +0000 MsMary 496498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Squee!! How did I miss this before now!! SO HONORED to be in your collage!!</p> <p>Actually, I think you and I have very similar styles! My style is Business Bombshell. For you, how about Colorful Retro Bombshell? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496493 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:38:23 +0000 Angie 496493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are ever so classically romantic with retro fun, pretty, and drama thrown into the mix. That style seems to bring out who you are as a person too - now that I have had the pleasure of meeting you, Amy :)</p> <p>Rosie, who will soon be 12, is a very stylish little old lass. I hope you also get a puppy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496359 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:48:27 +0000 Amy 496359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How to Make Collages:</p> <p>* You can use an image-editing program like Photoshop or Paint.</p> <p>* You can upload photos to flickr.com and use the mosaic maker here: </p> <p><a href="http://bighugelabs.com/mosaic.php" rel="nofollow">http://bighugelabs.com/mosaic.php</a></p> <p>* Try Photovisi - a free online collage maker and let me know how it goes :)</p> <p><a href="http://www.photovisi.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.photovisi.com/</a></p> <p>* You can put images into a Powerpoint slide and save it as a .jpg</p> <p>* Polyvore.com may be an option too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496357 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:47:25 +0000 Saretta 496357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first adjective that pops into my mind is feminine, you have a very feminine style. More specifically I would agree with artsy and vintage, but your feminity really shines through in every look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496348 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:42:03 +0000 Amy 496348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I'm sure Rosie is a canine style icon :)</p> <p>I want a puppy too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496346 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:41:10 +0000 Amy 496346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Soobee - thank you!</p> <p>San - those are great words to add into the mix. I'm a bit of a clown, which I guess is coming through in some of these pictures :)</p> <p>Claire - Thanks! I'm more of a seamstress than a tailor. I have done some jackets with shaped lapels, padding, etc., but that's not something I have a lot of experience with. I do need to create Business and MOTG capsules. Most of the outfits pictured above are dressy, aren't they? I need to work on casual outfits too.</p> <p>AJ - thanks for sharing your insight! I love your style and would happily add many of your pictures to my inspiration file. Thanks for the link too.</p> <p>GoldenPig - You know what's funny? I have that book and could not pick just one style I liked above all the others. My tastes are so eclectic...posh even. Gee, why couldn't I see that? It shouldn't surprise me that I'm attracted to the styles I associate with the English countryside. I was an English lit major, after all I don't have much tweed, lace and velvet in my wardrobe--those would be fun gaps to fill! I'm not keen on Wellies, though.</p> <p>Rae - I love your style! I love the bright colors you wear, and your edginess (is that the right word?) Of course, your beautiful smile makes everything you wear pale in comparison. You're right: I do love colors. </p> <p>Shyla, thanks!</p> <p>Angie - Theatrical, huh? Are you calling me a drama queen? You may be right Classical and romantic probably fit into the Posh Eclectic style GP mentioned. I think a theme is developing.</p> <p>lucylove - thank you! I used Photoshop; however, you can do something similar with Powerpoint. I'll try to come up with a how-to below...</p> <p>Suz, thanks! You're right. I am attracted to jackets, but don't have very many. That will be something to address in the years to come. </p> <p>JennyAnne, that's a great suggestion, thanks!</p> <p>Shannon, thanks! I love your style too and would have included a picture of you in one of your classy work outfits if I hadn't run out of energy last night. :)</p> <p>NancyLee - Interesting question! The JCrew dress pictured in the inspiration collage is made from menswear fabrics and is layered over a collared top with a necktie. I have always loved the way women look in tuxedos, tuxedo dresses, dresspants with vest and a tie, etc. Two style icons that have intrigued me a Katherine Hepburn and Ellen Degeneres. </p> <p>Mochi, I bet you can fit a bit of mod into your style! Don't give up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496325 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:21:40 +0000 Angie 496325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming in again just to say that it made my day seeing Rosie in your collage </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496291 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:37:00 +0000 Mochi 496291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree wholeheartedly that you have a strong handle on retro and it's very cohesive and works so well for you already. Keep exploring it and see how you expand the definition! So jealous of you that you are already so far in the right direction--AND that you love a persona that loves you back (signed, Mochi who adores a lot the gamine look of the 60s but is the wrong age, build, has wrong hair, etc.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496284 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:30:49 +0000 nancylee 496284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I love these collages--and, like Suz, I'm wondering "how did she do that?" How fun to see so many YLFers in your admired styles collection!</p> <p>I'm not an expert at defining styles, but some words that come to mind are: classic, retro, ladylike, polished, with a touch of glam/drama. I think GP's description of "posh eclectic" is a great one for you. It's interesting that one of the words you chose to describe your looks was "androgynous." To my eye, most of these are very feminine/ladylike looks. Just wondering.....do you want to introduce more androgyny into your look? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496261 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:52:33 +0000 Transcona Shannon 496261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy - these collages are fabulous! What a great way to see yourself. From my perspective, I think both the collage of your outfits and the inspiration collage show elements of both retro and classic styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496260 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:44:06 +0000 JennyAnne 496260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your collages. I think that would be a good exercise for me, feeling a bit style-lost lately. I agree with your assessments of classic, artsy, vintage, etc. I say go out on a limb, though. Try to copy some of the cool outfits that you love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496256 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:36:01 +0000 Suz 496256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I'm going to come back to this thread later on when I have a bit more time (off to ferry my aged mother about today!) But first, I wanted to say it is an honour to be included in your collage. </p> <p>And second (and please forgive me if someone already said this as I haven't been able to read the comment thread yet) I notice that in your aspiration collage, almost every look includes a jacket and all include some sort of "topper." This makes me think that Steph's suggestions to me might be pertinent to you, as well. You can find them here: <a href="http://dashingeccentric.blogspot.com/2011/10/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case.html" rel="nofollow">http://dashingeccentric.blogsp.....-case.html</a></p> <p>Back for more of this fascinating discussion later! </p> <p>By the way, I LOVE your collages. I never did get around to making any of those myself and really want to do it. The visuals help clarify enormously!! How did you make them? (i.e. what program did you use?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496251 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:29:50 +0000 texstyle 496251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Classic, vintage, and flirty come to mind after looking at your outfits. The inspiration collage seems a bit more on the classic, simple side.</p> <p>Great collages and what a good idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496247 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:15:46 +0000 velvetychocolate 496247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your collages! In the first, you have a vintage and ladylike vibe going on, and in the second "inspiration" board, what I see first is preppy with an edge. In the second board, there is still the vintage and ladylike, but more of the pictures are preppy-ish with an edge. </p> <p>Speaking of which, I was just reading the latest issue of Real Simple magazine (January 2012 issue), and on pages 100 through 105 there's a feature titled, "Reset Your Style" and it was these photos/stylings which helped me come up with better descriptive words for your two collages. I can't find the story/feature online yet, since it's the latest issue of the magazine, but if you happen to be near a book/newsstand, you might want to glance through that feature. It's a short little feature, but it was about adding twists to your current style. In, "If Your Style is Preppy", the advice is to add edgy accessories, and this is what I see in your second collage. </p> <p>Sooo....Vintage Ladylike veering toward Preppy with an Edge. </p> <p>How does that sound? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496198 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:37:26 +0000 CocoLion 496198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see your style persona(s) as modern-classic and ladylike.</p> <p>I feel the second photo collage reflects these personas as well.</p> <p>Is there an artistic eclectic self wanting to be expressed? If so, do you feel better expressing that with modern-classic and ladylike silhouettes? Or do you want to try more eclectic silhouettes (Boho blouses, wide-leg pants, big coats...)</p> <p>You can express that artistic side through color and accessories, yet maintain a more modern-classic and ladylike silhouette.</p> <p>Is that where you want to be? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496197 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:26:51 +0000 lucylove 496197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ooh, lovely, you have great style. I think doing a board will help with me what I just posted about, finding some style inspiration. What did you use to make you collages, please? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496188 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:04:43 +0000 Angie 496188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, you have *plenty* chutzpah to join the ranks of the styles you covet! In fact, your theatrical and arty look gives you a complete head start! I like the classic and romantic integrity that you throw into the mix too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496176 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:41:53 +0000 Shyla 496176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was awesome! One word that came to my mind was "classy" =)<br /> Very inspiring for the style file I am trying to put together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/defining-a-style-persona#post-496170 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:23:09 +0000 rae 496170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without looking at the other comments, the words that come immediately to mind are retro, vintage, cheerful, and feminine. Retro/vintage for some of the silhouettes like the fit/flare dresses, those awesome hats, and ladylike pencil skirts and slim dresses. Cheerful for the bright, saturated, mostly warm colors. Feminine because you seem to favor skirts, and even the pants-based outfits have some pretty colors involved. There is also a refreshingly youthful exuberance that comes through in your color combinations... not sure what style descriptor that translates to, but it is striking. </p> <p>PS - I'm super excited to be on your inspiration board! </p>